Description
Mountain – Flowers Of Evil – 180 Gram Vinyl Record
Flowers of Evil is the third studio album by the American hard rock band Mountain, released in November 1971. This album is unique in the band’s discography as it features a combination of studio recordings and live performances. Known for their heavy, blues-infused rock sound, Mountain was one of the pioneering bands in hard rock and early heavy metal. “Flowers of Evil” captures both the band’s raw studio energy and their powerful live presence, showcasing their versatility and influence in the rock genre.
Mountain was formed in 1969 by guitarist Leslie West, bassist and producer Felix Pappalardi, drummer Corky Laing, and keyboardist Steve Knight. The band gained significant attention after their performance at Woodstock in 1969, which helped propel them to stardom. Their first two albums, “Climbing!” (1970) and “Nantucket Sleighrid\” (1971), produced iconic tracks like “Mississippi Queen” and established them as a major force in the early 1970s rock scene.
Flowers of Evil was released at a time when the band was at the height of their popularity, yet it also marked the beginning of a period of tension within the group. The album is split into two halves, with the first side featuring studio recordings and the second side capturing a live performance at the Fillmore East in New York City. This combination gives listeners a taste of Mountain’s studio craftsmanship as well as the high-energy performances that made them famous.
Flowers of Evil features a mix of new material and live renditions of some of Mountain\’s classic tracks. The album reflects the band’s ability to blend heavy rock with melodic elements and blues influences.
Studio Side:
“Flowers of Evil” – The title track opens the album with a dark, brooding atmosphere. The song is driven by a heavy, slow riff from Leslie West and Felix Pappalardi’s powerful bass lines, creating a sense of foreboding. The lyrics reflect themes of disillusionment and the darker side of life, fitting the ominous tone of the music.
“King\’s Chorale” – This instrumental track showcases Pappalardi’s skill as an arranger and musician. It serves as a prelude to the following track, blending classical influences with rock, creating a moment of contrast and reflection.
“One Last Cold Kiss” – A more melodic track, “One Last Cold Kiss” features a poignant vocal performance by Leslie West, with lyrics that touch on themes of love and loss. The song’s gentle verses are contrasted by a powerful chorus, making it one of the more emotionally resonant tracks on the album.
“Crossroader” – A heavy, blues-infused rocker, “Crossroader” is driven by a hard-hitting riff and West’s gritty vocals. The song reflects Mountain\’s ability to combine blues roots with a hard rock edge, delivering a raw, energetic performance.
Live Side:
“Dream Sequence” (Live) – The live portion of the album opens with “Dream Sequence,” a medley of improvised instrumental passages that showcases the band’s musicianship. This track features extended solos, particularly from West on guitar and Pappalardi on bass, highlighting the band’s chemistry and ability to create spontaneous, powerful moments on stage.
“Mississippi Queen” (Live) – One of Mountain’s most iconic songs, the live version of “Mississippi Queen” captures the raw energy and power of the band’s performances. The song is driven by West’s signature riff and Laing’s thunderous drumming, making it a highlight of the live set and a fan favorite.
“Flowers of Evil” (Reprise) (Live) – The album closes with a live reprise of the title track, bringing the album full circle and reinforcing the dark, powerful themes introduced in the studio version.
Flowers of Evil is characterized by its heavy, blues-rock sound, with themes that explore the darker aspects of life, love, and existential struggle. The studio tracks feature a mix of introspective lyrics and powerful instrumentation, while the live tracks showcase Mountain’s ability to translate their studio sound into dynamic, high-energy performances.
The album’s title and content reflect a sense of foreboding and disillusionment, which was common in rock music of the early 1970s. The use of both studio and live recordings on the same album gives listeners a comprehensive view of Mountain’s capabilities as a band, highlighting their versatility and the different facets of their music.
Upon its release, Flowers of Evil received mixed reviews from critics but was appreciated by fans of the band for its combination of new material and live performances. While it did not achieve the same level of commercial success as the band’s earlier albums, it remains an important part of Mountain’s discography, capturing a snapshot of the band during a pivotal time in their career.
The live tracks, particularly Mississippi Queen, have been praised for their energy and the way they capture the essence of Mountain’s live shows, which were a key part of their appeal as a band.
Flowers of Evil remains a significant album for fans of Mountain and early 1970s hard rock. It showcases the band’s ability to blend heavy, blues-infused rock with melodic and introspective elements, while also providing a glimpse into their powerful live performances.
For those interested in the evolution of hard rock and the early influences on the heavy metal genre, Flowers of Evil offers an essential listen that highlights Mountain’s contribution to the development of these styles. The album stands as a testament to the band’s musicianship and their ability to capture the raw energy of rock music both in the studio and on stage.
180 gram audiophile vinyl pressing
Classic Album
Brand new, never played and still in the factory plastic
Track Listing
Flowers Of Evil
King’s Chorale
One Last Cold Kiss
Crossroader
Pride And Passion
Dream Sequence (24:27)
Guitar Solo
Roll Over Beethoven
Dreams Of Milk And Honey
Variations
Swan Theme
Mississippi Queen
